Dr. Lavelle Hendricks, a distinguished academic and Department Head of Counseling at Texas A&M University-Commerce since 2020, holds an Ed.D and M.Ed from Texas A&M University-Commerce and the University of Louisiana-Monroe, respectively. Certified as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and Anger Resolution Therapist, Dr. Hendricks is a prolific researcher and author of impactful books on drug education. His leadership extends to editorial roles and active participation in university-wide committees.
Dr. Dimitra Jackson Smith, a distinguished educator and researcher, earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from Iowa State University in 2010. Her research, focusing on transfer students in STEM majors, underscores her commitment to understanding student success. Currently serving as the Department Head of Higher Education and Learning Technologies at Texas A&M University at Commerce, Dr. Smith previously held key roles at Texas Tech University. Her extensive teaching experience spans graduate and undergraduate courses, addressing topics such as the history of higher education and community college instructional leadership. Dr. Smith's scholarly emphasis centers on student success in STEM, educational pathways for underrepresented students, and the role of community colleges.